Control device



Jana 1944- c. R. MCCAULEY ET AL 2,340,070

CONTROL DEVICE Filed Sept. 19. 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 GLAUD/US R. MGCAULEY AND 07.78 I. PAGE INVENTORS ATTORNEY Jan. 25, 1944. c, MCQAULEY ETAL 2,340,070

CONTROL DEVICE Filed Sept. 19. 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 J1 F1901 FHA/V022 mum CLAUD/US R. McCAuLEY AND FIG. 2 OT/s by PAGE INVENTORS BYW ATTORNEY Jan. 25, 1944.

C. R. M CAULEY ET AL CONTROL DEVICE Filed Sept. 19. 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 CLAUD/US R. MOCAULEY AND 0773 K! PAGE INVENTORS W ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 25. 1944 um'ren. s'rA'rss PATENT" oFPicE OONTlI-OLDIVIOI filandinsllocaaleysndotisilhge,

Neworleanalia.

Application September 1!, 1942, Serial No. 459,052 as cums. (01. 131-68) (Granted under amended This invention relates to filling a plurality of tanks concurrently, and it pertains articularly to a system for filling tanks. such as the fuel tanks of a ship, for example, which may have different shapes and capacities and which may also be disposed at different elevations and in various locations so that all of the tanks do not fill to the desired levels at the same time.

The filling of a ship's tanks with fuel oil requires a special piping system which, for satisfactory operation, should be capable of fueling the ship in the shortestpossible time t with.the installation of pipes of a reasonable size, as well as with the capacity and the pressure head of the barge or shore pumps available. It is likewise highly desirable to prevent the overfiow of oil to the sea or decks, as this would create a fire hazard, contaminate harbor waters and subject'the ship to a fine. It is also very important to prevent a pressure head in excess of the test head coming on the tanks, as this would subject them to distortion and to opening up of their seams.

These desirable objectives may be attained in accordance with the present invention, which provides for filling a plurality of tanks, such as the fuel tanks of a ship, under the maximum available or permissible pressure head without regard for the relative sizes, shapes or locations thereof, which may and usually do cause the tanks to become filled at different times. Sys-' tems heretofore provided for this P p e have supplied fuel, for example, to the tanks at a rate and pressure which would not damage a tank in the event that it was still subjected to pressure from the filling main after it became full. In some instances, comparatively long periods of time have been required for filling a ship's tanks largely because of the size of the conduits or piping used, while in others it has been considered that the cost of piping of a size adequate for filling the tanks in a relatively short time would be so excessive as to make the system impracticable.

' The present invention provides for supplying fuel oil to a ship's tanks, for example, under two degrees of pressure, one of which may be the An l 1 m of m i, use, as

m: m o. o. m)

This lower degree of pressure may be such as to avoid damage to any tank after it has become filled and before it has been isolated from the pressure head from the filling main.

The invention provides for establishing the lower degree of pressure by relieving the pressure from the filling main, preferably through a suitable standpipe which may discharge into any of a plurality of overflow or settling tanks. Preferably, means are also provided for protecting these settling tanks by diverting the discharge from the standpipe from one settling tank to another, preferably as one settling tank fills to the desired level.

The invention also provides equipment for thesepu p ses which may be mostly automatic, or partly automatic and partly manual in operation. This equipment may be and preferably is adapted to inform the operators or attendants of the condition of the system so that they may know which degree of pressure head is on the relatively high, as that available from the barge or shore pumps. This relatively high pressure may be maintained, so as to cause the tanks to fill rapidly, until one of the tanks becomes filled to the desired level, at which time pressure on the fuel oil delivered to all of the tanks may be reduced to the lower degree thereof until the filledtankhasbeenisolatedfromthesystem.

tanks, which tanks are unfilled and are filling, which are filled and whether the latter have been isolated from the system. etc. The invention also provides improvements in the construction and relative arrangement of parts for and of a system of the class described.

Further features of the invention reside in means for indicating when a tank is filled, which means. preferably, is in the form of a pressure responsive device adapted to be within a tank and having electrical contacts separable in response to pressure in the tank for controlling an electric circuit extending outside the tank where it may actuate indicating and other apparatus, such as that for closing the admission valve to that tank, and/or for reducing the pressure head on the tanks to a lower or safe degree thereof.

The features of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figs. 1 and 2 constitute one view partly in elevation and partly ditic, with parts omitted and broken away, showing a system for filling the fuel tanks of a ship; Fig. 1 shows a number of fuel tanks and apparatus associated therewith, including a large portion of the electrical circuits and devices cooperating therewith;

Fig. 2 .shows the rest of the system including the main feed line, the overflow connections,

settling tanks and cooperating electrical and mechanical apparatus as w as electrical cirgiits and devices for the uipment shown in Fig. 3 is a verticarsectional view, with parts omitted and broken away for purposes of illustration, showing a pressure responsive device disposed in. a tank and having separable electrical contacts located within the tank; and

Fig. 4 is a' view similar to Fig. 8, but illustrating another form of pressure responsive device having separable electrical contacts located outside the tank.

The embodiment selected for illustration comprises a system for filling a ship's fuel tanks III, II, l2, l8, II and IS. As these tanks are of different shapes and capacities and are disposed in various locations, tanks l0, l2, ll-and it being deep tanks and tanks I and I4 being double bottom tanks, they do not become full at the same time. For supplying fuel oil to these tanks there is shown a feed main I! having suitable connections at its upper end as indicated at ll'and IQ for receiving oil under pressure from some source, as from available barge or shor pumps. This feed main may be connected at its lower end to a conduit 2| extending about the ship in proximity to the various tanks and having interpoud therein suitable manifolds 22 and 23, there being, preferably, one manifold associated with each gnoup of proximate tanks.

The conduit 2| may also be connected to an oil transfer pump (not shown), which may re ceive its supply through a separate system of ,pipes and manifolds from the tanks ID to I! inclusive. Fuel oil thus supplied to conduit 2| from the transfer pump may b conveyed to the settling tanks 14 or 18 through conduits BI and '2. From the settling tanks, the fuel oil may be conveyed to a point of use in the ship.

For purposes of illustration manifold 22 is shown with hand operated valves, embodying a semiautomatic filling system, and manifold 23 is shown with hand-opened. self-closing solenoid latch trip valves, embodying automatic operation of this filling system.

From manifold 22 oil may be delivered through valved connections comprising tail pipes 25, 28 and 21 leading respectively to tanks l3, II and II. The flow from the manifold may be controlled through manually operable valves within the manifold, only the threaded stems 28, 29 and '30 and their associated hand wheels 32, 33 and ll of these valves are shown, as the internal manifold valve structure may be of any suitable form. The air displaced by the infiowing oil from the manifold 22 is allowed to escape from the tanks l3, l4 and i5, through vent pipes l3a, a and Ila to the atmosphere. The vent pipes Ila, Na and I la extend from the tank top, upwardly through the weather deck and open into the atmosphere. Each of the valve stems 28, 29 and 30 may have associated therewith a rocker 36 mounted to pivot intermediate its ends, as on a bracket 31 which may be carried by the manifold. One end of this rocker may be i'orked, bifurcated or otherwise adapted to ride in the channel formed by s aced collars 38 and 29 fixed to the valve stem. The other end of this rocker may be pivotally connected to a vertically movable rod having spaced switch pieces l2, l3 and 44 mounted thereon.

Flow from manifold 23 may be controlled through valved connections comprising tail pieces l6, l1 and 48 leading respectively to tanks I0, i I and I2. Air dis laced by oil flowing into tanks ll. II- and I2 is allowed to escape to the atmos phere through vent pipes Ha, Ho and [2a. .These vent pipes also extend from the tank top upwardly through the weather deck and open to the atmosphere. Self-closing, solenoid latch trip valves having stems 48, ll and 52 may be provided for controlling the flow from the manifold through these tail pipes. Associated with each of valve stems 49, Bi and 52 there is a lever 53 mounted to pivot intermediate its ends, as on a bracket I54 which may be carried by manifold 23. On opposite sides of its pivot point this lever may be pivotally connected, respectively, with the valve stem and with a vertically movable rod 56, as indicated at 51 and 58. Preferably, each of the rods 56 has spaced switch pieces 59, ll and 82 fixedly mounted therealong. Suitable means such as a contractile spring 83 may be connected between each lever 53 and some fixed point, as on manifold 23, for normally urging the lever in a clockwise direction as shown so as to move the valve stems downwardly to close the valves controlling the flow through the tail pipes.

For holding these valves open there may be provided solenoids 64 each associated with one of the valves and each having its core piece 88 pivotally connected to a latch in the form of a bell crank 61 mounted to pivot as at 68 and having formed on its lower arm a detent 69 which is engageable with a cooperating abutment or detent H fixedly mounted on each lever 53.

In order that liquid, such as fuel oil, may be supplied, as from barge or shore pumps, through feed main l1 and conduit 2| to the tanks under a relatively high degree of pressure for filling the tanks in the shortest'possible time, and also to provide for relieving this pressure so as not to damage any tank when it becomes full, there may be provided a standpipe l2 connecting at its lower end with conduit 2|. This standpipe may be of suitable height to assure that any filled tank will not be subjected to excessive pressure, as a pressure above its test head, while flow is permitted through this standpipe. For controlling the flow through this standpipe and for closing the latter to maintain the relatively high degree of pressure on the system, suitable valve means, preferably a self-opening solenoid closing valve 13 may be interposed in this stand- Pipe.

The overflow from the standpipe may be received in overflow or settling tanks II and it through connections 11 and 18, respectively. These settling tanks 14 and 18 are normally at a low liquid level at the beginning of the filling operation of the tanks III to l5 inclusive for the purpose of providing sufllcient capacity to re-- ceive the overflow oil. For selectively determining which of tanks I4 and 16 is to receive the overflow, a suitable directing means preferably in the form of a three-way valve 19 may be interposed between the discharge end of the standpipe and connections 11 and I8 and-adapted in its lower position, as shown, to divert fluid from the standpipe through connection 18 to tank 18. When valve I8 is in its upper position, connection 18 is closed thereby and fluid from the standpipe is directed through connection '11 into tank 1|. There may also be a connection 8| from conduit 2| to branch connection 82 and thence through valve 83 to tank H, and through valve 84 to tank 16 for the purpose of filling the set tling tanks 14 and 15 from conduit 2|, either after the main tanks ID to l5 inclusive are filled or from tanks III to l5 through the oil transfer pump (not shown) and conduit 2|. During the period required to fill the tanks In to I! inclusive,- valves 83 and 84 would normally be closed.

If, however, the valve 84 is inadvertently left asi e-1o 3 will automatically be tripped shut, thus prevent- I5 ing oil from flowing overboard through the overflow connection 22.

For the purpose of illus ration, the valve 22 is shown as a manually operable valve while the valve 24 is shown as a self-closing solenoid operated trip valve. These valves may be both manually operable or both automatic. Overflow connections 21 and 22 may be equipped with suitablevents 21' and 22' and extend overboard from settling tanks 14 and 12, respectively. To avoid l5 subjecting settling tanks 14 and 12 to excessive pressures and/or to avoid running oil overboard when one or both of these tanks is filled, a suitable valve, preferably a self-closing, solenoid acfeed main I1.

This valve 22 may have associated therewith a solenoid 2| arranged to have its core piece 22 pivotally connected to one arm of a bell crank 22, while the other arm of the bell crank may be in the form of a latch 24 engageable with abutment 22 carried by lever 21 which is pivoted at 22 and has valve stem 22 of valve 22 suitably connected thereto for movement thereby between the closed and open-positions of the valve. A so contractile spring "I may-be connected between lever 21 and some'fixed point, as the body of valve 22. for urging lever 21 in a direction to close valve 22.

. Solenoid, latch trip valve 24 in branch connection 22 may be equipped with a stem I22 suitably connected to lever I22 for movement by the latter between open and closed positions. A switch piece I24 may be carried by the stem for completing and interrupting an electrical circuit when this valve is in its closed and'open positions, respectively. A contractile spring I22 may 7 be connected between lever I22 and any suitable fixed point, as bracket I21, for urging this lever in a direction to close this valve. This lever may hav a detent I22 mounted thereon for cooperative engagement with a latch member I22 in the form of a bell crank connected to core piece III of solenoid II2.

Electrical energy for controlling the operation of this system may be supplied from a suitable battery H5 through conductor Hi to the upper terminal of a main switch H1, and also from another suitable source, as from a generator (not shown) through conductors H2 and I12 to the middle and lower terminals, respectively, of switch H1. The battery supplies electrical energy for operating various relays, and visual signailing means, such as lamps under the control I 01' the pressure responsive devices I22 associated ""20 with the respectiv tanks. The circuit from the other power source, as from a generator (not shown), supplies electrical energy for operating various solenoids and visual and audible signalling means.

. The battery circuit extends throu h th upper I blade of switch II1 to conductor I2I, thence to conductor I22 from which it passes in various ways to ground or to conductor I23 and relay I24 to ground. Included in the battery circult" and associated with each of tanks I2 through I2 are groups of devices which may be and preferably are arranged in the circuits in identically the same manner and preferably corresponding devices of each group are identical. The devices of each of these groups" comprise signal lamp bulbs I22, I21, preferably of contrasting colors, switch blades I22 and I22, differential relays I2I and pressure responsive devices I22; the latter being disposed in the respective tan The windings of the differential relays III are connected to the battery by conductors I22 at a tap intermediate the endsof the windings. The circuit from the battery is thus divided into two paths to ground. One path extends through the upper portion of the windings to ground at I. The other path extends through the lower portion of the winding, through conductor I42, switch 22 or 44, conductor I42, resistor 212 and pressure operated; switch I22 to ground at the tank. The resistor 212 is so designed as to offer resistance of such-value as to maintain the differential relay'in a magnetically balanced condition. should the switch I22 be opened, the diftuated latch trip valve 22 may be interposed in 20 form the same operation. It will thus b seen that the resistor 212 performs a very important function in relation to the differential relay I2I in providing for the detection of a grounded condition in the control circuit and in the case of the automatic system, it also causes the tanks I2 to I2 inclusive to be isolated, from the pressure and thus protects the tanks against damage.

Preferably, switch blades I22 are normally biased against their associated terminals I22 for completing a circuit from conductor I22 through lead I24, switch blade I22, conductor I22 and lamp I22 to ground while the differential relay I2'I is magnetically balanced. Likewise switch blades I22 preferably are normally biased against their respective associated terminals I21 for completing a circuit from conductor I22 through long conductor I22, in which switches I22 are inter- 4 posed. to conductor I22 and relay I24 to ground.

Circuits also extend from conductor I22, lead I22 to the winding of diflerential relay I2I and to ground at I" and from the winding of differential-reiay I2I through conductor I42, across switch pieces (for tanks IL-I5), or across switch pieces 22 (for tanks III-I2), through conductor I42 and'through the resistor 212 to pressure responsive device I22 and to ground thereon when the respective tanks are not filled to the desired'levels. Another circuit extends from each switch blade I22,'when in its lower position: through conductor I44, across switch p eces 42 (for tanks I2-I2) or across switch pieces 22 (for tanks l2-I2) and through conductor I42 and lamp bulb I21 to ground. Preferably, each of the middle switch pieces 42 (for tanks 12-42) or 2I (for tanks III-42) is adapted to interrupt or to complete a by-pass circuit around each of switches I22. These by-pass' 5 circuits are formed by along conductor I41, in whichjswitch pieces 42 and ii are interposed.

and conductors I42 between conductor I28 and conductor I41, the latter of which extends from conductor I22 to conductor I22.

For operating the solenoids 24 of the trip valves controlling tanks I2-I2, electrical energy may be supplied from conductors H2 and H2,

'main switch H1, and conductors I22 and I54.-

Each of solenoids 24 is connectedin a circuit 12 comprising a connection I22 from conductor I24 to the solenoid, a connection I51 between the solenoid and a normally open switch III, and a connection III from the normally open switch to conductor III. Suitable relays III may be provided for closing switches III. The circuit for each of relays III comprises a connection I82 from conductor I48 to the winding of the relay and to ground when the circuit I44, 88 and I48 becomes energized to cause the light I21 to glow, the relay III is simultaneously energized to trip the associated valves 48, II or 82.

For operating valve 18 in standpipe 12, a suitable expansible spring I83 may be disposed about the valve stem I84 between the valve casing I88 and a cross member I81 secured to the valve stem, so that the spring urges the valve outwardly to its open position. One or more solenoids I88 may have their core pieces I89 connected to cross member I81, so that when these solenoids are energized the valve stem will be drawn inwardly against the force of the spring to close valve 18.

The circuits from main switch II1 for sole noids I88 comprise conductor III and connection "I to switch I12 which is normally biased against its upper contact I13, but when relay I24 is energized this switch is drawn against its lower contact I14 to complete a circuit through conductors I18 and I11 to upper solenoid I88, thence through the winding of this solenoid, conductor I18, the winding of lower solenoid I68, conductor I19 to conductor I52 and back to main switch II1.

Visual signalling means for indicating when valve 18 is closed may comprise a suitable lamp bulb I82, preferably of a readily distinguishable color, as red. This lamp bulb may be connected in parallel with solenoids I88 by means of conductors I11, I88 and I84 back to conductor I52.

Audible signalling means for indicating when one of tanks II-II is full and valve 18 is open comprise bells I88 and I81, one of which, as bell III, may be located in the engine room to warn an operator, while the other bell, as I81 may be located at some suitable point, as on deck, to warn the barge operator, for example. The circuit for bell I88 comprises conductor III from main switch II1, conductor "I through switch I12 to its upper contact I18 and through conductors I88 and I88 to hell I88, thence through conductors I84 and I52 back to main switch Ill. The circuit for bell I81 is the same as that just described to conductor I88, bell I81, conductor 3 III to conductor I84 and thence back to main switch I" as described for bell I88.

In order that overflow or settling tanks 14 and II may be protected from excessive pressures, each of these tanks may have disposed therein a suitable means, preferably a pressure responsive device I82 which responds to pressure head as the tank becomes full to interrupt an electrical circuit through a conductor I92 leading from the pressure responsive device through resistor 218 to the winding of a difierential relay I88, one of which is associated with each pressure responsive device. Each of these tanks may also have associated therewith visual signalling means comprising a lamp bulb I28, preferably green in color, for indicating when the tank is filling but not full, and also a lamp bulb I 94, preferably white in color for indicating to which of these tanks liquid is being directed by three-way valve 18.

The battery circuit for these lamp bulbs, pressure responsive devices and relays, comprises connection I2I from main switch II1 to conductor I22 and switch I98, which is normally biased connection I88 to the against contact I81 when the diirerential relay I88 is magnetically balanced, thence through conductor I 88 and lamp bulb I28 to ground. A circuit also extends from conductor Winding'of the differential relay associated with tank 14 2M. Another circuit extends from conductor I22 through conductors 202 and 208, switch 204, which is normally biased against its upper contact 288 when the differential relay I88 is magnetically balanced, thence through conductor 201 and lamp bulb I28 associated with tank 18 and to ground. Another circuit also extends from conductor 288 through connection 208 to the winding of the difierential relay associated with tank 18 and to ground.

The position of valve 18 may be adapted to control the illumination of lamps I84 so as to indicate to which of the settling tanks liquid is being directed by this valve. For this purpose valve stem 209 of valve 18 may have fixed thereon spaced collars 2II, 2I2, between which the end portion of a rocker 2I8 may be adapted to ride. This rocker may be mounted to pivot intermediate its ends, as indicated at 2, and the end portion thereof which rides between collars 2H and 2| 2 may be bifurcated or forked to embrace the valve stem, if desired. The other end of this rocker may be pivotally connected to a vertically movable rod 2I6 on which suitably spaced switch pieces 2, 2I8, 2I9 and 220 may be fixedly mounted. With valve 19 in the position shown, a circuit from the battery is completed from conductor I22 through conductor 222, Jumper connection 223, switch piece 2I8 and conductor 225 to lamp I94 associated with tank 18 and to ground, thereby causing this lamp to be illuminated to indicate that valve 19 is set to direct liquid to tank 18. It will also be seen that with valve 19 set in its upper position for directing fluid to tank 14, a circuit from the battery is completed from conductor 222 across switch piece 220 and through conductor 221 to lamp I94 associated with tank 14 and to ground.

When tank 14 fills to the desired level, the pressure responsive device I82, disposed therein, interrupts the circuit through conductor I92 and unbalances the relay I98 associated with tank 14, thereby causing this relay to open switches I88 and 228. Opening switch I88 causes lamp I28 to go out, while opening switch 228 interrupts a circuit from the battery through conductors I22, 292, switch 228, conductors 23I, 232, switch 228 and conductors 288 and 284, through the winding of holding relay 288 and allowing switch 281 to close and thereby causing valve 88 to close.

In order to open valv 88, relay 238 must be energized by completing a circuit from conductor 28l across switch piece 2 I 1,through conductor 288, switch 239 and conductor 2, to conductor 284 and relay 236. This circuit can not be completed unless valve 18 is in the position shown, in which it closes connection 11 to tank 14, and switch 288 is closed. This switch 288 may be interconnected with valve 88 so that both the switch and the valve are either closed or open. During the filling of tanks I0 to I I inclusive valve 88 would normally be closed. For this purpose a rocker 242 mounted to pivot intermediate its ends may have one end thereof disposed between spaced collars 248 fixed on valve stem 244 for movement with the latter, while the other end 01 the rocker may be pivotally connected to a rod 248 afllxed to switch 238.

. When tank 18 fills to the desired level, pressure solenoid 3i, conductors 253 and 254, switch 231 responsive device 132 disposed therein opens the circuit through conductor I82 and unbalances relay I33, thereby opening switch 223 and moving switch 234 from its upper to its lower position so astoopenthe circuitthroughlamp l23'andto 5 complete a circuit from switch 234 to conductor a 241 through the winding of relay 243 to ground.

' plished by completing a circuit from the-battery I) through conductors I22 and 222, jumper connections 223 and 224, across switch piece 2I3, through conductor 243, switch I34 and conductors 23I,

232, 238 and 234 through the winding of relay 233 to ground. It will be seen that this requires that valve 13 be set in its upper position in which it closes connection 18 to tank 13, and also that valve 34 be closed, as otherwise the circuit would be open at switches 2I3 and I34 as shown. The valve 84 would normally be closed during the filling of tanks I3 to inclusive thus also switch I34 would be closed. If, however, the valve 84 should be inadvertently left open. andthe tank 13 becomes full the switch 234 would energize the relay 248 to close switch 258, to energize the solenoid II: and trip the valve 84 towards closed position simultaneously with the opening of switch 223. Thus,- it will be evident that switch I34 will be closed in any event and all that is required to again open valve 83 is to shift the valve 13 to the upper position to direct the fiow of liquid to tank 14.

- The circuit for supplying electrical energy to solenoid 3i of valve 83 comprises conductor I52 irom main switch H1 to conductor 25I and from the latter through conductor 252, the winding of and thence through conductor I51 back to main switch H1. A suitable audible signalling means, I such as a bell 255, may be connected in this circuit in parallel with the winding of solenoid 3| by means of conductors 252' and 253' so that an audible signal will be given while valve 83 is closed. r

The circuit for solenoid I12 of valve 84 may comprise conductor I51 from main switch II1, through the winding of solenoid II2, conductor 251, normally open switch 253 and conductors 253 and I52 back tothe main switch. This circuit is completed when relay I33 is unbalanced and com pletes a circuit through relay 248 which pulls in or closes switch 258.

The pressure responsive devices I32 may be and preferably are in the forms illustrated in Fig. 3 or in Fig. 4. In Fig. 3 the pressure responsive device is shown as comprising a unitary casing 231 having a substantially cylindrical lower portion and a frusto-conical upper portion forming a chamber 252 in which relatively fixed and movable contacts 253 and 254, respectively, may be disposed. The lower wall of chamber 252 may be formed of a flexible diaphragm 255 which is yieldable in response to a pressure difference on opposite sides thereof. The movable contact (254) may be mounted on a suitable bracket 251 secured to the diaphragm, preferably in the central portion thereof. The fixed contact (253) may be mounted on a suitable bracket 258 mounted on a piece of insulating material 253 carried by the casing, as by being secured to an internal flange 2" thereof by attaching screws 212. A suitable resistor 213 may be mounted on the upper side 7 31! when the tank fills to the desired level. As

ofthepieceofinsulating material 238and electricallyconncctedtobracket238,asbymeansof abolt 214 andanut 213. Asheretoforcdescribed thisresistorservestolimittbecurrentinthe circuit including one portion of'the winding of v a diiferential relay so as to assure proper i'unctioning thereof for guarding against an unde-.

tected short or break in the c0nuuctors'connect'-' ring the pressure remonse switch to the dinerentiai relay. A suitable conductor. as conductor J43,

maybeconnectedtotheupperendofresistor 213, as by means of a bolt 211 and a nut 218.

The casing 261 may be secured at its upper end to a conduit 2 "I mounted in the head or top III 'ofa tank and in fiuid tight relation therewith.

If desired, a suitable fitting, such as elbow 282 may be mounted on the outside of the tank so as to iorm a continuation of the iluid tight passage oi! conduit 213 through which conductor I43 may Inusing this device, conduit 213 should extend below the top of the tank for a sufiicient distance.

sothat when the tank is filled to the desired level the pressure head on diaphragm 233 due to liquid,

such as oil in the tank, will deflect this diaphragm suiiiciently to move contact screw 234 out of en-' gagement with contact 233 and thus interrupt the circuit through conductor I43, which at other times is grounded on diaphragm. 233 and hence, on the tank.

The device shown in Fig. 4 differs principally fromtheoneshowninllg.3inthatinthe former the separable contacts of the pressure re sponsive device are located outside the tank. The device shown in Fig. 4 comprises a cylindriial casing 283 having a diaphragm 284 iorming the lower wall thereof. A conduit 213' is connected to this casing and to a depending flange 285 in fluid tight relation. This depending flange 285 is carried by a detachable cover or closure member 281 secured over an opening 288 through which the pressure responsive device may e inserted in the tank. A suitable casing 233 may be detachably secured to cover 231 by means of studs 23I and nuts 232. This casing may have an opening in which a conduit 233 is fitted. A conductor, such as I43, may pass through this conduit into the casing and be secured to a suitable resistor 213 by means of a bolt 233 and a nut 231.

This resistor and a fixed contact 238 may be disposed on a piece of insulating material 233 and secured to cover 281 within casing 283 by means spring 333 may be disposed about this rod and adapted to seat at is lower end on'aninternal flange 334. At its upper end this spring may engage a washer 333 positioned on the rod by ad lusting and locking nuts 331 threaded thereon. A bracket 338 may be adjustably secured on rod '332 between clamping nuts 333 threaded thereon. 'A movable contact screw 3i I may be adiustably.

mounted on bracket 338 for engagement with fixed contact 238.

The device shown in Fig. 4 operates in a man-- ner very similar to the one shown in Fig. 3. The conduit 213' may be of such a length as will cause the diaphragm to be submerged in liquid,

such as oil for example, to a depth which will provide the pressure head for deflecting the diaphragm upwardly to separate contacts 238 and the diaphragm is deflected upwardly rod to: moves with it and by means of bracket 288 carries contact 2| I upwardly out of engagement with contact 288 Just as the liquid in the tank rises to the desired level. It will also be noted that separate contacts 288 and 2I I. are disposed outside the tank to be filled and that these contacts and all adjustable parts are accessible on removal of casing 288 from cover 281 without detaching the latter from the tank.

In using this system thehand wheels 22. 22 and 24 may be adjusted to open the valves controlling the flow to tanks I2. I4 and I5, and levers 52 may be latched in their raised positions to open the valves controlling the flow to tanks I8, II

ifnone of thetanks I8--I5isfull,all of thelamps I22 associatedtherewith should be illuminated and all the lamps I21 should be out. If one or the tanks happens to be mu, the lamp m associated therewith will be out and the lamp I21 associated therewith will be on, thereby informing the attendant that the valve tothis tank should be closed. Also if one of the tanks is full, relay I24 will be deenergized and alarm bells I88 and I81 will be ringing, indicating that valve 18 in the standpipe is open, and lamp I82 will be out. When main switch H1 is closed, th lighting up of lamps I28, which preferably are green in color, indicates that the circuits are in order and the lighting up of lamp I82, which is preferably red in color. indicates that valve 18 in the standpipe is closed so that the tanks may be filled rapidly under a relatively high degree of pressure.

Fluid such as fuel oil may be delivered'under a relatively high degree of pressure from some source. as from barge or shore pumps to connections I8 and I8 which conduct the oil into feed main I1. The oil then passes through conduit 2I into manifolds 22 and 22 and through the tail pipes to the respective tanks.

As one of the tanks becomes iull, its pressure responsive device I22 opens the circuit through conductor I42, thereby unbalancing the relay I2I associated with this tank and causing this relay to attract switches I28 and I28. This movement of switch I28 opens the circuit through green lamp I28 which goes out, and completes the circuit which lights lamp I21, which is Preferably orange in color. Opening switch I28 interrupts the circuit through relay I24, which then allows switch I12 to move from contact I14 to contact I18, thereby deenergizing solenoids I88 so that spring I88 may open valve 12 and permit oil from conduit 2| to discharge through standpipe 12. This reduces the pressure on the oil supplied to a safe value as determined by the standpipe. Also. as switch I12 separates from contact I14, red light I82 goes out and as this switch engages contact I12 alarm bells I88 and I81 start ringing. The ringing of hell I88 may inform an attendant in the engine room, for example, that one of the tanks is full and its admission valve should be closed. while the ringing of bell I81 may inform an attendant on the barge of this situation.

If on observation of lamps I26 and I21, the filled tank is found to be one of tanks I2, I4 or I5, it may be isolated from the system by turn-' in: the appropriate one of hand wheels 22, 22 or 24 to close the admission valve to the filled tank. For purposes of illustration. tank I4 is shown as one which has just been filled and its admission valve is still open. while tank I2 is illustrated as a tank which has been previously filled and its admission valve has been closed by op g d 75 one or both the tanks 14 and 18.

' wheel 22. It will be seen that closing the admission valve opens the circuit through orange lamp I21 and that switch piece 42 completes a bY-ws circuit through conductors I48 bridgin 5 open switch I28, thereby completing the circuit of switch I12 also opens the circuit through bells I88 and I81 which then stop ringing.

If the tank just filled is one of tanks I8, II or I2, the circuits and associated devices operate as r1 I2I5,'but the admisand I2. The main switch II1 maybe closed and l st desc bed for tanks sion valve for this filled tank is automatically closed. For instance, tank II may be considered as one which is filled nearly to the desired level. As the oil in this tank reachesthe desired level and a circuit is completed-through switch piece 58 and orange lamp I21, a branch circuit is also completed through relay I8I which closes switch I58, thereby causing solenoid 84 to trip latch 88 to allow spring 82 to close the admission valve to this tank. For example, tank I8 is illustrated as one which has been filled previously and it will be noted that as soon as its admission valve closed, switch 58- opened the circuit through orange lamp I21 and relay I8I and the latter then 88 allowed switch I58 to open, thus deenergizing solenoid 84.

When valve 12 is open oil may pass through the standpipe and be discharged therefrom into one or the other of tanks 14 or 18 depending upon 25 the position of three-way valve 18; and at times ot the conduits 8|, 82, would be to fill the settling tanks 14 and 18 to capacity after the main tanks I8 to I5 have been filled. During such filling of settling tanks 14 and 18 the oil would flow from conduit I1 through conduits 2|, 8i and 82 into With valve 18 set as shown, connection 12 to tank 14 is closed and oil is being directed from the standpipe through connection 18 into tank 18. The lamps I84 and I28 associated with tank 18 are illumi- 6 nated, the former indicating that valve 18 is directing oil tothis tank and the latter indicating that this tank is filling but not full. Preferably these lamps have distinguishable colors, as lamp- I84 may be white and lamp I28 may be green.

When tank 18 becomes full, its pressure rerelay 248 which closes switch 258 and completes the circuit through solenoid I I2, thereby tripping latch I88 and allowing spring I85 to close valve 84 if it is not already closed. The opening of switch 228 deenergizes relay 228 and allows 5 switch 221 to close so that solenoid 8I trips latch 84 and spring I8I closes valve 88. Before valve 88 can be opened, valve 84 must be closed and connection 18 must be closed by shifting valve 18 to its other position. In the meantime overflow 88 provides an additional safety feature which assures that filled tank 18 can not be subjected to pressure above atmosphere. While this overflow is capable of passing oil overboard as required by government regulations, it will be evident that with the system described herein, there will never sired level, the lamp cessive pressure on tank ll,

beany occasion for oil to pass overboard through this overflow.

It will also be in its upper positionand tank ll fills to the de- 7 I28 associated therewith will go out and relay! will be deenergized by switch 22' so that valve 89 will close.

seen'th at when valve 18 set While valve u is closed alarm bell in rings to inform the attendant-that oil is not being.delivered through the feed ain. Before valve I! may now be opened, relay 2" must be energized and this requires that valve ll be closed if it is not already-closed and t r t valve 19 be shifted to the position shown. In the meantime overflow I1 is available for passing oil overboard to avoid exfor such an overflow is not tem as just pointed out II and overflow 88.

It will be seen that this invention provides for fueling a ship in the shortest possible time consistent with a reasonable size ofpipes and the capacity of the barge or shore pumps available. It will also be seen present with this syswith reference to tank even though the need that while the filling system is described and shown partially automatic and appended claims.

isburnedoutorthereis apowerfailureinthe solenoid valve Such a failure will allow the standpipe valve to remain openso that fillingof the'tanks maycon tinue under safe standpipe ressure. No failure in the overflow or settling tank circuits can cause damage for both of these tanks are protected by individual overflows. e

The invention described herein, if patented. may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment to us of any royalty thereon.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is for the purposes of illustration only.

and that'the invention includes all modifications and equivalents which fall 'within the scope of the We claim as our invention and desire to secure our patent:

1. Means for conducting liquid under pressure to a plurality of tanks, valves for controlling the flow of liquid to said tanks, means responsive to the filling of one tank to a desired level. for

' relieving the pressure on the liquid being supplied while the valve controlling the fiow ofliquid to said one tank remains open, and means responsive to closure of said. valve to'said one tank for restoring the pressure on the liquid being supplied to the remaining tanks.

other than those inherent in the standpipe systoms of the present time.

Any failure of the electrical circuits during operation will automatically cause standpipe valve 13 to open so that the filling of the tanks may continue under safe standpipe pressure Should any break or short occur in conductor I43 leading to pressure responsive device I32, the differential relay I3I associated therewith will be thrown out of balance and the standpipe valve will automatically open and the fuel tanks willbe .protected from excessive pressure. When this happens the signal lights will operate as though a tank is full, and when this is found not to be the case, the electrical failure can be located. Merely closing the admission valve to such a tank will permit the remaining tanks to be filled under full pressure and the tank having the defective circuit may be filled last with standpipe pressure.

During normal operation when the tanks are filling all the circuits are energized and the effect of a tank becoming full is to deenergize some of the circuits, thus causing the standpipe valve to open. Because of this fact, it isquite simple at the start when main switch Ill is first closed to ascertain if all of the circuits are in order by observing indicator lights I26, I21 and I82. With main switch III closed and a manifold valve opened, the burning of a green lamp I26 indicates that this particular tank circuit is in order. If the orange light I2I- burns instead of green light I28, there is indication that either the tank is full or there is a short or break in the conductors leading to the tank. If neither of these lights burn when a manifold valve is opened, this indi- 2. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks,- means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said two degrees of pressure, means associated with each of said tanks- I and responsive to filling thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, and means responsive to isolation of a filled tank from the system for causing said supplying means to resume the supply of liquid to the remaining unfilled tanks cates that either abulb is burned out or the switch operated by the manifold valve is out of order.

The burning of light I82 indicates that the circuits for valve I3 are in order and the valve is closed. If this light does not burn and the alarms do not ring, there is indication that either a bulb at the higher of said two degrees of pressure.

3. In a system of the class described for filling a pluralityof tanks, the combination with a plu rality of tanks, of a manifold, valved connections from said manifold to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said manifold, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said two degrees of pressure when none of the tanks communicating with said manifold is filled substantially to the desired level, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to the 1511- ing thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means for causing it to supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, and means responsive to isolation of a filled tank from said manifold for causing said supplying means to restore the supply of liquid to said manifold at the higher of said two degrees of pressure.

4. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said valved connections; the latter means normally supplying circuits associated with valve ll.

said tanks, means for supplying for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, and means responsive to isolation or a filled tank from the system for causing saidsupplying means to resume the supply of liquid to the remaining unfilled tanks at the higher of said two degrees of pressure..

5. In a system ofthe class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said valved connections the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher oi. said two degrees of pressure,

audible signal means p rable in response to filling substantially to the desired level of any of said tanks, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to filling thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, and means responsive to isolation of a filled tank from the system for causing said supplying means to resume the supply of liquid to the remaining unfilled tanks at the higher 01' said two degrees of pressure.

6. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each or liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said'two degrees of pressure, visual signalling means associated with the respective tanks for indicating whichtanks are filling, means associated with each or said tanks and responsive to filling thereoi substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, and means responsiveto isolation of a filled tank from the system for the higher of said two degrees of pressure.

7. In a system 01' the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each 01 said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees or pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liq- .uid at the higher of said two degrees or pressure, means associated with each 01' said tanks and responsive to filling thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser 01' said two degrees of pressure, visual signalling means associated with the respective tanks for indicating which tanks are filled substantially to the desired level and are still in communication with said supply means, and means responsibe to isolation of a, filled tank from the system for causing said supplying means to resume the supply of liquid to the remaining unfilled tanks at the higher of said two degrees of pressure.

8. In a system or the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees 01' pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said two degrees oi pressure, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to filling thereoi. substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser of 2,s4o,o7o

, said two degrees oi pressure, alternately operable visual signalling means associated with the respective tanks for indicating respectively which tanksare filling and which tanks are filled substantially'to the desired level and still in communication with said supply means, differential relays for controlling said signalling means, and

means responsive to filling or a tank substantially to the desired level for operating the relay controlling the signalling means associated therewith.

9. In a system 01 the class described for filling a plurality oi tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees or pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said two degrees or pressure, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to filling thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser 01' said two degrees of pressure, alternately operable visual signalling means associated with the respective tanks for indicating respectively which tanks are filling and which tanks are filled substantially to the desired level and still in communication with said supply means, diil'erential relays for controlling said signalling means, means responsive to filling of a tank substantially to the desired level for operating the relay controlling the signalling means associated therewith, and means responaim to isolation of the latter tank from said supply means for rendering inoperative said means for operating the latter relay.

10. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each or said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said two degrees 01 pres sure, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to filling thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, alternately operable visual signalling means associated with the respectlve tanks for indicating respectively which tanks are filling and which tanks are filled substantially to the desired level and are still in communicatlon with said supply means, circuits for supplying electrical energy for operating said signalling means, diiferential relays for controlling said circuits, means responsive to filling or a tank substantially to the desired level for operating the relay controlling the circuits for the signalling means associated therewith, and means responsive to isolation of the latter tank from said supply means for rendering inoperative said means for operating the latter relay.

11. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, 01' valved connections to each oi said tanks, means for supplying liquid under relatively high pressure to said valved connections, a standpipe for discharging liquid delivered by the supply means for reducing the pressure of liquid supplied to said valved connections, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to the filling thereof level for maintaining said standpipe open for discharging liquid from said supply means, and means responsive to isolation oi a filled tank from the system for substantially closing said substantially to the desired standpip and thereby substantially restorin said relatively high pressure to liquid supplied to said valved connections.

12. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under relatively high pressure to said valved connections, a standpipe for discharging liquid delivered by the supply means for reducing the pressure of fluid supplied to said valved connections, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to the filling thereof substantially to the desired level for maintaining said standpipe open for discharging liquid from said supply means, and electromagnetic means responsive to isolation of a filled tank from the system for substantially closing said standpipe and thereby substantially.

restoring said relatively high pressure to liquid supplied to said valved connections.

13. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under relatively high pressure to said valved connections, a standpipe for discharging liquid delivered by the supply means for reducing the pressure of liquid supplied to said valved connections, a normally open valve for controlling the fiow through said standpipe, electromagnetic means for closing said valve, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to the filling thereof substantially to the desired level for maintainin said electro-magnetic means deenerglzed so as to permit the latter valve to remain open, and means responsive to isolation of a filled tank from the system for energizing said electromagnetic means and thereby closing said standpipe and restoring said relatively high pressure to liquid supplied to said valved connections.

14. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of a manifold, valved connections from said manifold to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said manifold, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said degrees of pressure when none of the tanks communicating with said manifold is filled substan-. tially to the desired level, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to the filling thereof substantially to the desired level for con-- troling said supply means for causing it to sum liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, means responsive to the filling of one or more of said tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for isolating the latter tank from said manifold, and means responsive to isolation of a filled tank from said manifold for causing said supplying means to restore the supply of liquid to said manifold at the higher of said two degrees of pressure.

15. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at lessttwo degrees of pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said two degrees of pressure, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to filling thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supp y means to cause it to supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, means responsive to the to the desired level thereof for isolating the latter tank from said supply means, and means responsive to isolation of a filled tank from the systern for causing said supplying means to resume the supply of liquid to the remaining unfilled tanks at the higher of said two degrees of pres- 16, In' a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid under at least two degrees of pressure to said valved connections, the latter means normally supplying liquid at the higher of said two degrees of pressure, means associated with each of said tanks and responsive to filling thereof substantially to the desired level for controlling said supply means to cause itto supply liquid at the lesser of said two degrees of pressure, means associated with one or more of said tanks and tending to isolate them from the supply means, electromagnetic means for causing the latter means to isolate each of said one or more tanks from the supply means, means responsive to the filling of said one or more tanks substantially to the desired level toreach of said tanks, means for supplying liquid to said valved connections, a standpipe connected to said supply means for limiting the pressure of the liquid so supplied, a plurality of overflow tanks for receiving liquid issuing from said standpipe, selective means for directing liquid issuing from said standpipe to each of said overflow tanks, valve means for controlling the delivery of liquid from the supply means, means responsive to filling of one of said overflow tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for closing said valve means, means for maintaining said valve means closed while said one overflow tank has communication with the system, and means responsive to operation of said selective means for directing liquid to another of said overflow tanks for releasing said valve means so that it may be opened.

18. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks to be filled, of valved connections to each of said tanks. means for supplying liquid to said valved connections, a standpipe connected to said supply means for limiting the pressure of the liquid so supplied, a plurality of overflow tanks for receiving liquid issuing from said standpipe, selective means for directing liquid issuing from the supply means, means responsive to filling of one of said overflow tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for closing said valve means, means for maintaining said valve means closed while said one overflow tank has communication with the system, 7 and means responsive to filling of one or more of said tanks substantially 7s operation of said selective means for directing liquid to another of said overflow tanks for releasing said valve means so that it may be opened.

19. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks to be filled, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid to said valved connections, a standpipe connected to said supply means for limiting the pressure of the liquid so supplied, a plurality of overflow tanks for receiving liquid issuing from said standpipe, selective means for directing liquid issuing from said standpipe to each of said overflow tanks, valve means for controlling the delivcry of liquid from the supply means, means responsive to filling of one of said overflow tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for closing said valve means, means for maintaining said valve means closed while said one overflow tank has communication with the system, audible signalling means operable while said valve means is closed and in response to closing thereof, and means responsive to operation of said selective means for directing liquid to another of said overflow tanks for releasing said valve means so that it may be opened.

20. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks to be fllled, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid to said valved connections, a standpipe connected to said supply means for limiting the pressure of the liquid so supplied, a plurality of overflow tanks for receiving liquid issuing from said standpipe, selective means for directing liquid issuing from said standpipe to each of said overflow tanks, valve means for controlling the delivery of liquid from the supply means, means responsive to filling of one of said overflow tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for closing said valve means, means for maintaining said valve means closed while said one overflow tank has communication with the system, visual signalling means for indicating the overflow tank to which liquid is being directed from said standpipe, and means responsive to operation of said selective means for directing liquid to another of said overflow tanks for releasing said valve means so that it may be opened.

21. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks to be filled, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid to said valved connections, a standpipe connected to said supply means for limiting the pressure of the liquid so supplied, a plurality of overflow tanks for receiving liquid issuing from said standpipe, selectively operable means for directing liquid issuing from said standplpe to each of said overflow tanks, valved connections from said supply means to the respective overflow tanks, valve means for controlling the delivery of liquid from the supply means, means responsive to filling of one of said overflow tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for closing said valve means, means for maintaining said valve means closed while said one tank remains in communication with said supply means, and means responsive to isolation of said one tank from said supply means for releasing said valve means so that the latterv may be opened to restore the delivery oi liquid to the system.

22. In a system of the class described for filling a plurality of tanks, the combination with a plurality of tanks to be filled, of valved connections to each of said tanks, means for supplying liquid to said valved connections, a standpipe connected to said supply means for limiting the pressure of the liquid so supplied, a plurality of overflow tanks for receiving liquid issuing from said standpipe, selectively operable means for directing liquid issuing from said standpipe to each or said overflow tanks, valved connections from said supply means to the respective overflow tanks, valve means for controlling the delivery of liquid from the supply means, means responsive to filling of one of said overflow tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for closing said valve means, means for maintaining said valve means closed while said one tank remains in communication with said supply means, means responsive to fllling of said one of said overflow tanks substantially to the desired level thereof for closing the valved connection associated therewith, and means responsive to isolation of said one tank from said supply means for releasing said valve means so that the latter may be opened to restore the delivery of liquid to the system.

23. Means for controlling the simultaneous fllling of a plurality of ship's tanks comprising, a plurality of tanks to be filled with a liquid, means for conveying said liquid to each tank under relatively high pressure, valves in said conveying means for directing the flow of liquid to each of said tanks and means responsive to the filling of any one of said tanks to the desired liquid level for decreasing the pressure of the liquid being supplied to said tanks.

24. In a system of the class described comprising in combination, a plurality of tanks to be filled with a liquid, means for conducting and directing a liquid to said tanks under relatively high pressure, means for isolating said tanks from said liquid conducting means when the liquid level therein reaches a predetermined height comprising, a spring closed valve associated with each tank, solenoid means for tripping said valve to closed position, a relay controlling said solenoid means, liquid level responsive means associated with each tank, switch means operated by said liquid level responsive means to open position, a difierential relay means having a winding connected between its ends to a source of electric energy, a conductor connecting one end of said winding directly to ground, a resistor connected at one end to said switch means, a conductor connecting said resister to said other end of the winding of said differential relay, said resistor having suflicient resistance to maintain the differential relay in a balanced condition, means operated by said difierential relay when it becomes unbalanced for energizing said first mentioned relay, whereby said spring closed valve will be tripped when the liquid level in said tank reaches a predetermined height and when a short occurs between said resistor and said differential relay to thus isolate said tank from the liquid conducting means.

25. In a system of the class described comprising in combination, a plurality of tanks to be filled with a liquid, means for conducting and directing said liquid to said tanks under relatively high pressure, means for relieving said pressure in said conducting means and means for controlling said relieving means comprising, means responsive to the attainment of a predetermined, liquid level in each tank,.switch means operated thereby having one contact grounded, diflerential relay means having a winding connected between its ends to a source of electric energy. an electrical connection between one end of said winding and ground, a resistor connected to the other contact of said switch means, an electrical connection between said resistor and the other end oi said winding, said resistor having suflicient resistance to limit the flow of electric energy therethrough to balance said diflerential relay means when said contacts are closed, switch means operable in response to the unbalanced condition of said differential relay means, a relay controlled by said last mentioned switch means, means controlled by said relay for operating said means for relieving'pressure in said conducting means whereby said pressure will be relieved when any one tank becomes full and when a short circuit occurs between said resistor and said diflerential relay.

CLAUDIUSR. McCAULEY.

OTIS W. PAGE. 

